Coppers 50 Book Challenge

Hi, I’m Joanne, aka ‘coppers’ and I’ve toyed with the idea of joining this challenge group for a while now. At first, I had decided to start as of my LT anniversary date in May. But now as the date gets closer, I’m thinking that that really wouldn’t be very useful to me since I like to keep track of what I read on a calendar year basis. So now I’m backdating to January and including the list of everything I’ve read so far this year (hope that’s not cheating!?). Before joining Library Thing I’d read around 30-35 books a year, but now thanks to LT, 2009 looks to be a banner year for me and I’m pretty confident that I’ll be able to reach 50. If it seems like I enjoyed nearly everything on my list it’s because, for the most part, I did. If I don’t like a book, I’ll stop reading and not include it. This is so much fun; I can’t wait to get started so here goes:

1. Hardly Knew Her by Laura Lippman ; very entertaining short stories
2. Etta by Gerald Kaplan; loved it, my favorite ER book
3. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman; excellent
4. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski; still not really sure how I feel about it
5. Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin; interesting and for all animal lovers
6. Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson; excellent
7. When the Emperer Was Divine by Julie Otsuka; a gem
8. Izzy & Lenore by Jon Katz; wonderful
9. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford; very good but I was expecting more
10. To Siberia by Per Petterson; very good but not as good as #6
11. The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti; excellent
12. Disquiet by Julia Leigh; very good and aptly titled
13. Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese; good but I didn’t love it
14. 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith; entertaining and fun
15. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery; good but I didn’t love it
16. The Help by Kathryn Stockett; excellent
17. Split Estate by Charlotte Bacon; an ER book, very enjoyable read
18. Jim the Boy by Tony Earley; excellent
19. The Blue Star by Tony Earley; excellent
20. The Tricking of Freya by Christina Sunley; an ER book, very enjoyable read
21. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff; a gem

22. The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne Excellent! A gripping, harrowing, disturbing read that is difficult to put down.

Welcome Joanne! You're off to a great start so far, almost halfway there!

I enjoyed reading your recap of this year's reading. We tend to agree on so many books. I read Jim the Boy late last year and (almost) forgot I intended to read the sequel soon after. Maybe I will declare the month of May as Sequel Month and start off with The Blue Star.

I have starred your thread. I am over on the 75 Book Challenge under the name "DonnaReads." As we say in the Ozarks, "Come see me!"

Thanks for the nice words, spacepotatoes and Donna828. I've starred both of your threads. I think I'm going to like this!

Welcome coppers and I know you are going to like this. I am looking forward to following your choices of reading material and comments.
N/B

Hi, Joanne!
Let me also say "Welcome to the 50 Book Challenge!" My first year, I also listed all of my books from the beginning of the year and I think that is totally ok! Pretty much you get to count your books however you like. Some people just list without counting them at all.

I am planning to read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle soon myself. I hope that it is an easy read as it is quite long! Have a wonderful day and I look forward to seeing what you are going to read next!
--BJ

Hi BJ - Thank you for stopping by and assuring me that I wasn't somehow gaming the system here! I wouldn't call Edgar an easy read but I do know some people who were able to race through it pretty fast or at least much faster than I could. If I could only read faster and for longer periods of time!

Hi, Joanne!
I am going to try to put in a link to my 50 book challenge thread.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/53861

I hope that works. :) I am also reading another book that I am behind on, so it might take me a little while to read Sawtelle, but I need to read it pretty soon. Or at least get started!

Hope that you have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by my profile page! :)
--BJ

Hey, Joanne- Welcome aboard! I knew you would enjoy the Challenge, so many just drop by to say hi and no one brings a casserole, dumb joke sorry! FYI, Joanne was one of my first friends on LT, nearly a year ago!
BJ- I hope "Edgar" works for you! I had some problems with it but I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying it out.

Don't be sorry, I actually thought that was funny, Mark, and very true when you think about it! And, yay, no dishes to return!

Hi! You have great taste in books. Some great reads so far. I'll be back!

#10 Hi, Mark! I also hope that I like Edgar Sawtelle, at least enough to finish and discuss it. My dad gave it to me, so I want to read it before I see him for my daughter's graduation. And that is pretty soon. But my daughter got to read it first, as she reads much faster than I do. So she will fill in the blanks for me if I don't finish. Aren't kids great?

Y'all have a great day!
--BJ

Hi, Joanne! I just want to add my "Welcome to the 50-book challenge" too! You've got a great list going. I think I've read about a third of your books and want to read a third more. I'm especially looking forward to Cutting for Stone and Jim the Boy. I noticed you were a bit ambivalent about Cutting for Stone. Got any more thoughts on it?

Hi bonniebooks, Thanks for the warm welcome! I think Cutting for Stone may have suffered from some overhype for me. I never really felt a connection to any of the characters and felt as if there were long sections where not very much happened. I know I am definitely in the minority in my ambivalent feelings as everyone else who has read it seems to love it. Maybe it just wasn't the right time for me to have read it so please don't let my opinion influence you! Jim The Boy, however, was such a charming book that I can't imagine anyone not liking it!

23. Espresso Tales by Alexander McCall Smith
24. Honolulu by Alan Brennert

Espresso Tales is a light and entertaining read, the second in the 44 Scotland Street series. I used it as a filler when I wanted to carry a book along with me but wanted something I didn't have to concentrate on too much. Very nice and I'll read the next one in the series. The characters are rather addictive!

Honolulu was an easy book for me to like. It is the story of a young Korean “picture bride” who travels to Honolulu in the hope of escaping the oppression of early 20th century Korea. Not unexpectedly, her husband is not as promised and life in Hawaii is not, initially, as she had planned. I love reading about Hawaii and learning some history along the way. This is a good book to settle in with and enjoy! As good as his earlier book about Hawaii,Moloka'i.

25. The House at Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper

I listened to this on audio. It took me a long time to finish it but it was a fairly interesting memoir of growing up in Liberia, a country I really knew nothing about. Not my favorite memoir though. I just didn't find her story all that compelling.

26. Columbine, by Dave Cullen.

This was truly a fascinating, yet harrowing, read. It is hauntingly thought provoking in how the seemingly normal can go so very wrong. I reviewed it on the book’s page if anyone’s interested.

Hi, Joanne- Excellent job on the review! I think you covered everything. Maybe, you could eventually read The Hour I First Believed ,after some time has past. I just started Jim the Boy and it grabs you pretty quickly. Beautiful writing.

Wonderful review! I still remember the day this happened. It made a big impact at our school.
--BJ

Thanks Mark and BJ! I really appreciate that!

Yes, BJ, it was a tough day all around, especially in the schools. I remember exactly where I was when it first hit the news - a business lunch - and the TV was on in the bar and we heard bits and pieces about a school shooting in Littleton - at a high school and then something about an elementary school and since my son was in elementary school in Littleton, well, it was pretty stressful. And of course it was all over the news for a very long time here.

And Mark, I know, I know, maybe by the time it comes out in PB I'll be ready to read the new Lamb book. We'll see! In case you don't have enough to read (HA!), The Blue Star was a good follow-up to Jim the Boy. Initially I didn't like it as much but then it really grew on me.

27. Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas

This is a sweet and gentle story of the developing friendship between two women, one at the beginning of her life and the other reaching the end. It takes place in 1936, in a remote Colorado mining town. Through the stories the women tell, we learn of their lives and experiences. There are some interesting historical tidbits included and the author‘s notes tell us that Middle Swan is based on early Breckenridge. It’s easy to picture that lovely town in its youthful, pre-ski heyday. I’ve read all of Sandra Dallas’ novels and have never been disappointed. She weaves together quick, entertaining stories of strong, likable women. And this time, she’s even managed to incorporate some characters from her earlier books.

28. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin; a great story

Was Brooklyn an advanced readers copy? Or is it available to the general public now? I just checked it out and it does look like a good one, but I saw that it was tagged ARC by someone. Anyway, I am adding it to the wishlist. Thanks!
--BJ

Yes, Brooklyn is available now. I just picked up my copy from the library today and plan on starting it later in the week.

Hi Mark and BJ! Yes, Brooklyn is available. I somehow found out about it early enough to not have to wait for my library copy but there is quite a hold list now. It was an excellent read and I'll bet you will both love it! I'd love to hear your thoughts regarding the main character when you're done!

#25 & #26> Thanks for letting me know, Mark and Joanne. I added it to my wishlist. I am planning to make major improvements to the list to help me remember which books are on it when I am in the bookstore. This one looked really good. Have a great day!
--BJ

29. Dog On It: A Chet and Bernie Mystery by Spencer Quinn

A PI (Bernie) and his dog (Chet) team up to solve crimes. Chet, the dog, is the narrator. Sounds ridiculous, but surprisingly, it works. Chet is a hoot and manages to maintain his doghood, doing doggy things and generally being confused by human things. He and Bernie are a lovable pair and dog owners will recognize their own dog in Chet. The book is light, funny and totally entertaining. Dog lovers should give it a try!

Sounds wonderful!
--BJ

Hi ya BJ!! - Oddly enough, it was! :)

Joanne -

I am thrilled that you are such a Tony Earley fan. I read Jim the Boy before it came out (remember I was a bookseller then and received arcs as a part of my job). It caught me right away and stuck with me for years, so I was so excited when the sequel came out. I was lucky enough to have dinner with Tony. He is such a wonderful person. Thanks for being an advocate for his books, because I don't think he has the audience he deserves.

Ok, now you - and all of the wonderful followers of your thread - get to hear about the book that I am raving about to anyone who will listen even two years after I read it - Stoner by John Williams.

http://www.librarything.com/work/169174/book/22528493

If you like books, you should love Stoner, as it is about a man who falls in love with literature. But it is so much more than that. I won't tell too much about it - just read it.

Plus it is published by NYRB classics, so it is a really nice package.

OK, I will stop taking over your thread now...

Hi Nancy - You found me! Wow, dinner with Tony Earley, I can't imagine, after reading those two books, that he wouldn't be just the nicest person. I hope he comes out with a new book soon.

I had never heard of Stoner but I looked it up and it does look very interesting. My county library doesn't have it but I'll keep looking. I may be placing an Amazon order soon and slip that one in!

>31 alphaorder:, 32, I loved Jim the Boy from the first sentence, but I decided I really liked Tony Early when I read the interview at the back of the book, and his suggested reading list. How can you not love an author who recommends the Little House series?

Thanks for the suggestion of Stoner -- I'll look for it.

I'm starting to regret never reading any of the Little House Books.

30. The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway

A beautiful story, highly recommended.

I've got Jim the Boy near the top of my list. I read hardly any children's books as a child (instead read my sisters' teen romances, a ton of books in which the main characters were boys, and Perry Mason mysteries) but I did read the Little House on the Prairie series and am so glad I did. The best way to catch some of that "little kid" delight if you didn't get to read them as a child is to read them to a child.

Hi bonnie, I am gaining a new respect for YA books but I don't think I'll ever go back and read some of the older ones, unfortunately. But I guess you never know... I had only wanted to read horsey books, with a few dogs books thrown in for variety, when I was young.

Jim the Boy is a gem of a book.

The Little House books are wonderful. I only read a couple of them when I was young. Then when my girls were young, I got them the complete set and read them all to them. It was tons of fun.

How is your sweet dog doing? You do a great job of changing out the photo. Really, I must get a photo on my page, too. Have a wonderful day!
--BJ

What did you like most about Cellist???

Hi BJ!

The photo on the profile page is so easy, even I can do it!! :) If I had had girls I'm sure I would have read the Little House books to them too!

Our big furry girl is well. Sleeping right now as we just came back from a walk and she's resting up for her dinner.

Hi Louanne!

Well, I'd have to say the characters and the writing - I found myself rereading lines and out loud because I thought they were so well written. I wish it had been longer, though, but I'm not sure how much more I could have taken!

I see you liked it too - what did you like best?

>37 Copperskye:: Dog and horse books! Oh yes, read those too! Thanks for reminding me. :-)

>39 L-Anne:, 41: It's hard to describe this book about war, isn't it coppers? I think it's so effective because its about the effect of war on everyday people rather than soldiers. It's a simple story that brings out complex feelings. And how does a book about an ugly subject end up feeling beautiful?

Bonnie - Just imagine how bleak it would have been if written with a heavier hand. It took a light touch to make it so very lovely.

re:Cellist

I think Bonnie said it so well. A book about a most devastating subject ends up feeling beautiful. To me, that speaks of fantastic writing! He had such a poetic way of describing the horror and the hope.

I was rereading lines out loud as well. One of my faves was an early description of Arrow:

She had '...stumbled into the core of what it is to be human. It's a rare gift to understand that your life is wondrous, and that it won't last forever.'

31. The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer.

I wanted to read this last year while on vacation but didn't get to it. So after letting it lanquish on the tbr pile for a year, it was my first pick for this year's vacation book. I really enjoyed the story and cared about all the characters. The ending seemed a little rushed but other than that one very small complaint, I recommend it whole-heartedly!

I see you also own A Short HIstory of Women. Do you plan on reading it soon? I think I will...

>#45:
coppers;
Does your book have the same cover art as the one depicted on the review & info page in LT? It is lovely. I think I would have bought this one just for the cover. (and gotten what sounds like a good read as well).
It sounds very good.
belva

# 46 Hi alphaorder!

I am planning on reading it soon. I'm a little behind on reading my LTER books - I have to read The Well and the Mine before I read A Short History of Women. I'm looking forward to reading them both though and I'll be starting The Well and the Mine next after I finish Cannery Row

Hi Belva!!

It does have the same cover along with the NY Times Notable Book stamp on the upper right. It is a lovely cover, isn't it? I absolutely recommend the book - about a wealthy Jewish family struggling to survive in Iran post revolution, circa 1981 or so.

Yes, I put it on my ever growing list of TBRs. It sounds really good and the cover is lovely.

LT: Truly a blessing and a curse!! :)

Amen sister!~!

32. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck. A quiet classic.

I just bought that at the library sale -- what did you think of it?

Hi AMQS!

I really enjoyed Cannery Row - simple and yet complex. I haven't read Steinbeck in years and I'm sorry about that now. Beautiful written stories about the people of Cannery Row told with a very dry sense of humor. I think you'll like it!

>53 Copperskye:: I need to carve out some more time to read more of Steinbeck. There are several like Cannery Row that have gotten by me.

I hope you enjoy The Well and the Mine. It's one of my favorites for 2009 so far. Very understated with gentle, compelling characters.

I'm with Donna. I also need to make more time for Steinbeck. He has always been one of my all-time favorites and I have sadly neglected him. I remembered enjoying Cannery Row but it's been many years. I did snag a copy of Travels With Charley so maybe that will get me kick-started.

Hi Donna! - I'm loving The Well and the Mine! I've been reading some great southern fiction lately.

Hi Mark! - I read Travels with Charley years ago and is one that I've been thinking would make a good reread.

Yea!~! More Steinbeckers!~! Whoo hoo!~! I love it!

Hi coppers;
How have you been? It seems like forever and a day since we talked. I hope things are going well and that we can chat soon.
belva

Hi Again Belva - I just left you a note on your thread! All's well with me - just trying to get back into the swing of things after vacation and also get ready for my mom's upcoming semi-annual visit. So laundry, housecleaning, yard work, food shopping...but tomorrow is another day! :)

Oh, enjoy your visit. I envy you. What with taking care of my mother I never actually feel like I get to visit with her anymore and she feels the same. So enjoy and take it easy.
And yes; "Tomorrow is another day."

Oh Belva - Thanks for the lovely greeting!

33. The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips

This was an LTER book and an excellent story of a coal mining family in 1930s Alabama. I scoffed when I saw reviews comparing it to To Kill a Mockingbird but now that I finished it, I have to agree. Also compares well to Mudbound. It's one of those books where you slow down at the end so it'll last just a little bit longer.

Looks like a good one.

Ooh! Who doesn't love To Kill a Mockingbird? And Mudbound is on my Top Ten for the year, so I may have to move that one up!

Good idea Bonnie. I'd be interested in your opinion.

34. A Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut

I listened to this on my ipod. I had downloaded it in case I needed it while traveling but wound up listening to it while cleaning the house over the weekend. And I've already read it twice so you could say it's a favorite of mine!

35. Not Becoming My Mother by Ruth Reichl

Ruth Reichl writes a lovely and loving tribute to her mother. I'm not familiar with her other memoirs but I'll be looking out for them. She is a great storyteller.

I get an immediate gag reflex when I think of her mother--and all that rotten, moldy food! :-)

Edited to add: The above visceral reaction is based on her first book. Haven't read this one yet.

Hi Bonnie - The moldy food issues were discussed early on in this book. Not having read her other books, I had no idea what I was in for. I got the feeling that the author treated her mother's odd behavior less than sympathetically in her other books and was attempting to make up for it here.

Thanx, Bonnie!~! I really needed that image burned into my mind right at bedtime.
hugs to you both.
belva

Hi coppers, I left you a response in my thread but just in case you didn't see it - yes, Hawaii is beautiful! We were actually on Maui on 7/5 and 7/6, our ship was docked in Kahului. We spent 7/5 on Haleakala and then in Lahaina. On 7/6 we were on the Road to Hana. Wouldn't it be funny if our paths had crossed and we didn't even know it? Hope you enjoyed your time on Maui as well, it was our second favourite island, only beaten out by Kauai :)

Hi spacepotatoes - We may have passed each other on the street in Lahaina - we were in town for dinner that night. I love Kauai too, although its been several years since we were last there.

36. A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert

An ER book. I don't usually finish books I don't like so I was happy to finish this one and move on. Really though, there was an interesting story buried in there somewhere.

Oh goodie! I can take one off my wish list! :-)

Coppers - I agree with you about A Short History of Women. Did you hear Maureen Corrigan's review of the book on Fresh Air? She really captured what I thought.

Now you want a great novel, read A Happy Marriage.

Hiya Bonnie - Glad to be of help whenever I can!

Hiya alphaorder - In looking through the reviews I see we are not alone in our opinion. I missed the Fresh Air but I'll look for the podcast. I really hate it when I don't like an ER book and I hate to post negative reviews. (Not as much as wasting my time with a book I don't like though...) I put A Happy Marriage on a library hold - thanks for the rec.!

>73 Copperskye: Funny coincidence, it's a small world sometimes!

37. The Book Shop by Penelope Fitzgerald

Wow, such a slight book but it packs an emotional punch. A woman decides to open a book shop in a small English coastal town circa 1959. Problems ensue.

I, too, enjoyed this quiet little book. She created quite a sense of place in that small English village. I also read and liked The Blue Flower for the same sense of pathos of reflection, this time set in Germany.

I loved the beginning of The Blue Flower. I don't remember why I thought it was exceptional, I just remember it was.

I was online in the middle of the night last night and was fortunate enough to find a copy of The Blue Flower and The Book Shop, two in one. I was so excited. These sound like perfect afternoon reads. I couldn't find A Happy Marriage and was not interested in A Short History of Women. (thank you coppers and alphaorder)
Thanx for the recs ladies.
Keep your powder dry. It's a hot one again.
belva

Hi Donna and Bonnie - I looked for The Blue Flower at our library but they don't have it. I can get it through interlibrary loan when I'm ready though (soon, I think!). Have either of you read any of her others? They do have Human Voices.

Hi Belva - Lucky you! I hope you enjoy them! A Happy Marriage is getting some good buzz I've now noticed.

I wish I could somehow take some of that heat off your hands. The sun actually came out briefly late this afternoon but then the clouds took over again. I think it was only in the 50's today - a new record for the coolest high temp. for the date. And snow in the high country. Really unusual for July.

Stay cool! :)

38. Heroic Measures by Jill Ciment

I didn't know this was an Oprah summer pick until after I had started it but that did explain why it was so prominently displayed at the library.

A sweet story of a 70ish couple in NY, trying to sell their apartment and purchase another over a weekend when there happens to be a suspected terrorist threat and their dog suddenly becomes seriously ill. A satirical look at the media and real estate and a touching look at a couple in love with each other and their dog. I really loved this book.

It's back to typical NW weather, cool and cloudy--great book-reading weather. I'll have to go check Heroic Measures out; it sounds like a "feel-good" kind of book.

Hi Joanne.
Hi Bonnie.
Nothing to add; just kind of a drive by hello, luv you girls, catchya later kind of thing.
belva

HiYa Bonnie!
HiYa Belva!

Heroic Measures was pretty darn clever, IMHO!

I see your heading out for Texas soon Belva. Safe travels and Happy Trails to you! (Texas, I couldn't resist).

Night ladies!
Joanne

Berry funny Joanne. You are sooooooooooo cute!~! LOL!~!
but thanx,
nitey nite to you as well.
belva

39. Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper

Homer's Odyssey is a fantastic story of a cat and the young woman who adopts him as a young, blind kitten. Gwen Cooper knew Homer would need special care but she didn't realize the affect Homer would have on her and how much he would ultimately change her life. As it turns out, blindness isn't a detriment to Homer as he more than makes up for his lack of eyes with a sterling personality. Both cat and human grow and mature in this heartwarmng, honest and witty book. And this is all managed, thankfully, without being overly sentimental or sappy. This is a lovely, uplifting memoir with moments of pure comedy that is sure to be enjoyed by fans of Dewey or Marley. I can't imagine a pet lover not enjoying this book!

40. Labor Day by Joyce Maynard

Highly, highly recommended!

Hello Joanne.
Well, two more for the old TBR listing. Turrible, just turrible!~!~!
How have you been and how is Coppers?
I hope all is well with you and yours. Missed ya.
Good to be back. Will talk to you again very soon. Am trying to get caught up on the 50 gig today and move on to the 100 tomorrow. Will save the 75 gig for last because it is the most heavily posted. But I did cheat and sign on last night long enough to catch up with Stasia as I really didn't want to get hit with 300 to 500 posts when I did arrive there. ha
loves n hugs,
belva

41. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Yay!! I finally finished it and, for the most part, I enjoyed it. A little long. A little violent and sometimes it seemed a bit gratuitous.

I'm glad I read it and without the group read (hey - where'd everybody go??!), I probably wouldn't have. Thank you Mark and Belva.

Joanne- You did it, girl!! I'm so glad you joined us for the group read! I thought it went very well. I'm reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, finally! See you in January???

42. The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan.

It’s probably been almost 20 years since I last visited Niagara Falls. Reading The Day the Falls Stood Still, I could almost feel the mist and hear the roar of the falls. I’d love to go back. This was the perfect blend of historical fiction, love story and coming of age. The fictional story of Bess, her family and the river man she loved rang true. The river man was based on an historical figure. The author obviously loves the Falls and included a lot of interesting elements surrounding the use of the Niagara River by power companies. I know I’m enjoying a good historical fiction when I start googling events and places to see pictures and dig deeper into story lines. Highly Recommended.

Hi Mark - I bought The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo a couple of weeks ago but haven't started it. I'm anxious to hear your thoughts!

Good morning Joanne;
I grabbed a copy of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo while at the airport, thinking I might need something else to read at Robbi's. Haven't yet read it, but intend to get to it this winter. Everyone seems to be receiving it positively.
I am so glad that you are happy with the Pillars of the Earth group read. Mark is awesome. I think he must be a really well organized person in RL. I am looking to mid January when we begin World Without End.
In the meantime I am finishing up my 999 challenge. Should be done in a couple of days, must read a member shared copy of The Shack before passing it along to another member who wants to read it and keep it going. Then I think I will grab the first of the Fforde Thursday Next series. I'm really looking forward to that. The lady who owns "my" independent bookshop doesn't carry any of the Fforde's works because she says no one wants them and she absolutely loves him and thinks him brilliant so she does order them for herself, but not the store. Interesting, huh?
Well, hope you are doing well and that your Coppers is as well.
I already have The Day the Falls Stood Still on my TBR listing or I would be recxing it out from you. Am glad you liked it. It sounds like a really good one!~!
hugs,
belva

Yup, it was pretty good Belva. Speaking of pretty good, I just finished Steinbeck's The Moon is Down and I thank you warmly for the rec! You rock!

43. The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck.

What a beautiful story to have been written as propaganda during WWII. I must continue to read more Steinbeck.

Joanne- Glad you enjoyed the Steinbeck. I've got to get back to him, real soon!

Belva, my brother-in-law had this really old edition of Tortilla Flat--you would have loved it! Because you like Steinbeck so much I was really interested in reading it, but immediately found it boring and offensive. Well, not really offensive, because I knew that the comments reflected the prejudices of the time, but the story just wasn't good enough to look past them. I realize my reaction was a strongly personal one, though, because I have very little patience for reading about people who spend so much time drinking. I also didn't like the "thees" and "thous." It reminded me too much of religious texts. I'm sure I didn't read enough to appreciate the book, but just off the top of your head, what do you remember about this story that made you think, "I'm so glad I read this?"

Sorry, coppers! I thought I was on nannybebette's thread. I'll look for your answer on one of your challenges.

No worries, Bonnie!

44. Still Life by Louise Penny

A wonderful, witty little mystery set in a small town in Quebec and the first in the Three Pines series. Lots of great characters that I'll be happy to meet again. This is the first book I've "read" that I enjoyed on audio more than reading it myself (I had both the audio and the book checked out of the library).

Hey Joanne;
I came over a bit ago, but decided I want to answer Bonnie's query so I took her question to her thread and answered it.
Now I am back to B.S. you. Where are you?
I am wanting to read the Louise Penney series and have it on my TBR listing. Everyone I have seen on LT who has read her has enjoyed her. So I want to give her a try.
I finished The Shack this afternoon and am going to take the first of the Thursday Next series by Fforde to bed with me shortly. I have really been looking forward to those. They sound so quirky and fun. I am ready for something light and fun. Besides The Shack and Battle Cry of Freedom, the last 16 books I read were to finish off my 999 challenge and that is finally done so I now feel I can grab anything off the shelf. I didn't know about the 999 challenge until April or May and I think I began it on May 2nd so I am just thankful that I was able to complete it on time. Whoo hoo!~!
Are you on to the next of the Three Pines series or are you reading something else now?
Inquiring minds and all that, you know.
Our little guy and his team won the game last night that they played at Quest Field before the Seahawks/Raiders game. And they did the flag thing before the game and a half time entertainment. It was quite an experience for Tyler. (and us as well. The whole family went.) Our seats were on about the 30 yard line behind the Seahawks bench, 6 rows up. That's close enough to see them sweat. We even made it on TV (from the back) ha.
But it was a very long day as that is quite a drive for us and it takes a really long time to find parking once you are there. But we only go like once a year. And this was for a special reason. So....................
What is new down your way?
Well, it is about time for me to take my book and tuck myself in. Hopefully I can sleep. Last night the dog kept us awake half the night.
Talk to you tomorrow.
hugs,
belva

Hi Belva,

I had a great holiday weekend. We got a lot done and had some fun too. That must have been exciting for your grandson to play where the big guys play!

My son is new to the marching band at his high school and played at his first game over the weekend. He plays the sax and they did great. It was kind of fun to go to a hs football game again (it's been a lot of years!).

I'm waiting for my turn at the library for the next Three Pines book. I'm not sure exactly what I'm reading right now but I'll have it figured out by tommorrow! I just finished Soul of a Dog by Jon Katz but haven't added it here quite yet. I love his books.

Speaking of my son, I have to go pick him up from his hospital volunteer shift.

I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!! Talk soon!!
Joanne

Dear Joanne;
Sad for an old lady to be saying this, (and probably scary to a mom to hear) but in my younger days, don't ask me why, but I always went after the sax player. They were always soooo sexy!~!
He must have been very excited. And he does volunteer work at the hospital as well? Sounds like you are raising a wonderful young man Joanne.
My grandson was likewise excited. It was a lot of fun. Exhausting but fun.
And it is fun to go back and return to the football stadium each year and the gym.
I've not read any of Katz works. Do you highly recommend him? There are not any reviews over on the book page yet. If you are enjoying the Three Pines series as much as it sounds, I will have to give them a go this winter.
You take care of you.
love,
belva

LOL Belva, LOL! I do think he picked the instrument that was the least geeky.

And I do recommend the Jon Katz with the exception of A Good Dog. A Dog Year and Izzy and Lenore along with his most recent are excellent memoirs of a middle aged man and his attempt to find himself. He's a good writer and writes warmly of his animals. As long as you're into that sort of thing.

The Three Pines series is excellent (!) as is Ann Cleeves' Shetland Island quartet if you like mysteries. They'd be great for a winter's read.

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45. Soul of a Dog: Reflections on the Spirits of the Animals of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz

Finishing Soul of a Dog left me with a sense of sadness - I am always unhappy to have to say good-bye to Bedlam Farm. I find Jon Katz’s stories to be both thought-provoking and honest and enjoy reading about the farm and its inhabitants. Soul of a Dog is not only a discussion of dogs’ souls, their faithfulness, spirit and ability to comfort, but also those of the farm’s other animals – the cows, chickens, donkeys, cat and even chickens. I don’t believe I’ve ever before gasped over the fate of a hen but there you go. The most profound chapters here are those that bring in other people and events – the hospice patient, the minister, the lonely friend. I am anxiously awaiting the next book about life at Bedlam Farm.

>106 Copperskye: Louise Penny books: I have enjoyed 2 books of the Three Pines mystery series. I've read Still Life and A Fatal Grace which goes by the alternate title of Dead Cold.

Don't you love the characters, and the vision she paints of the beautiful little village???

Hi Louanne! Yes I absolutely loved Still Life and the little village of Three Pines. I have A Fatal Grace checked out from the library but I'm actually waiting for the library's one copy of the audio to get checked back in (due next week - yay!) before I start it. The reader (Ralph something) is fantastic - I love his voice. I usually only do non-fiction and memoirs via audio (and not very often) but this is an exception.

Have you tried Ann Cleeves' Raven Black? Another mystery series set in an interesting place (Shetland Islands).

I am planning to read the 3rd Three Pines book later this year. Her characters are not the usual stereotypical small-town people you find in most fiction. What I call the Mayberry syndrome, where everyone loves everyone else, and life is la-di-da. That's what I love most.

Hadn't heard about Ann Cleeves. I don't usually read mysteries. These were my first, but I'll give them a look.

Hi Louanne! Believe it or not, I'm not really a big mystery reader. I just happened to find two series that for whatever reason, appealed to me. I just started the second Three Pines book on the drive home from work tonight - yay!

46. The Night Watch by Sarah Waters

Wow, I hate that I let this sit in my tbr pile for well over a year. Atmospheric and heart-breaking, I loved the reverse chrono order, how the action moved in three sections beginning in 1947, moving on to 1944 and finally finishing up in 1941 as it followed four scandalous (circa 1940s) young people through the streets of London and through WWII. Beautifully written. I can't wait to read more by this author!

Joanne- That sounds very good! I've heard much praise about Sarah Waters but I have never read her! May have to change that!

Joanne - I haven't read The Night Watch, but if you liked the reverse chrono order you might like Fault Lines, one of my favorite reads of last year.

Hi Nancy, how have you been?

Thanks! Fault Lines looks fascinating and I've requested it from the library to take a look. I think the librarians are now wholly convinced that I'm some sort of a serial borrower. Oh well...they may be right... ;)

47. The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa

A sweet, absolutely charming story. Highly recommended, in fact, it's a book everybody should read!

>112 Copperskye: Well JoAnne, I've got a couple of Waters' books on my TBR list and you've made this one sound pretty enticing. Anyone else have a TBR list that's totally out of control like mine is? I find myself reading a book, then hearing about another book that sounds good and hurrying through what I'm reading to get to something else. In the meantime, someone comes along suggesting something else and the cycle starts again. Help!

>117 brenzi: Yup, same problem here! Unless what I'm reading is REALLY good, I find myself getting restless towards the end because I want to move onto the next good thing.

Did you enjoy the 2nd Three Pines book??? Don't you love Inspector Gamache???

Hi brenzi and spacepotatoes - I always had a small pile of books to be read and then I found LT and its been totally out of control since then. There is always a book calling to me and I really don't like the feeling that I'm rushing through a book to get to the next but it sure does happen. The Sarah Waters book kept getting trumped by newer books but I was so glad I finally decided it was time. Have you ever rushed through a book to get to the next and then been disappointed by that one? But, I guess there are worse things.

Hi Louann - I do just love the good Inspector! I'm only about a third of the way into A Fatal Grace /Dead Cold and love it. Since I listen to it on cd, it takes awhile. I'm looking forward to my drive to work tomorrow to get back into it again. I should probably put it on my ipod but then I wouldn't get anything done! Even when I read ahead a couple of pages in the book, I listen to it again. The narrator really is great. Talk soon! Joanne

>120 Copperskye: Hi JoAnne,

Yes and yes. I LOVE LT but it's true I have hurried through to get to the next book that has disappointed but not in a long time. That's one of the upsides of LT. I'm reading far fewer books that I don't really like. Being on LT and talking to and taking recommendations from people with the same interests has helped to avoid those real stinkers that I just can't finish. So I guess we all have to realize that as much as we'd like to we will never get to the bottom of the TBR list. Great problem to have, isn't it? Too many great books out there.

Hi Joanne- Hope you had a nice weekend! Thanks to you and Belva, I started Travels With Charley. Why have I put this magnificent author to the side, over these past few years? Excellent question! I plan on curing that problem. I just mooched Tortilla Flat also. Give any thought on the G.R.? Later friend!

#122 How true, brenzi, how true!

#123 Hi Mark - I loved Travels with Charley and is one I will probably reread. I loved The Moon is Down and it was a new one to me. Still debating the group read. I have the book checked out from the library but I haven't had a chance to even look at it yet. Chances are, I'll join in. I hate to be left out!! :)

48. How Not to Act Old:185 Ways to Pass for Phat, Sick, Hot, Dope, Awesome, or at Least Not Totally Lame by Pamela Redmond Satran

I hesitated to add this to my challenge but it was just too fun, not to mention instructive, to ignore. Not only do we need to look good and feel good, we also have to know how to act to pull it all off. This book was laugh out loud funny and enlightening and great to share aloud (oh no, is that old?). My son kept telling me not to leave him messsages on his phone, and now I know I was just showing my age. I'm still going to admit that I'm crazy about Springsteen though but I've always known not to be the office mom and not to block the supermarket aisles.

My son kept telling me not to leave him messsages on his phone...

I'll have to read this book! My son doesn't even listen to the end of my phone messages. He just zaps them and calls me. And for quick messages back and forth, he much prefers texting or emailing while I much prefer talking. You can get so much more said in the same amount of time, plus you've got all that non-verbal info. added with how you say something. No emoticons necessary. But obviously I'm showing my age as well, huh? :-)

I'm glad that I have reached the age (62 last month) where I don't really care about being "cool" anymore. I have the freedom to do what I want and now I can just blame it on getting older. Having said that, this sounds like a fun book that I might read just for the laughs. Plus, it would look good on my Facebook page. :-)

Oh my, I just looked at the cover for the Satran book. It cracked me up! See, even my expressions are old-fashioned. My kids just die laughing when I refer to their flip-flops as thongs. Thanks, Joanne, for my first laugh of the day.

Amen. We're the same age and I gave up on cool long ago as my children will attest to.

>#128:
Well Donna, aren't they the same thing? I always thought they were. My kids were too kind to inform me, but my granddaughters.........Not!~! They too, "die laughing".
But that's all okay and good. Because I remember their "yesternights" and "lasterdays" so I guess we get even with each other.
And we are all three the same age or will be in a month and 1/2. Here's to old grey nannies!~!
hugs,
belva

Oh, I forgot where I was!~! I am not getting old. I am not getting old.
Hi Joanne;
How's trix? Things good in your little corner of the world? I am hearing nasty things about the snow coming very early to your neck of the woods.
Hope you are reading something good.
I am doing so much better, but I do think I will take my book and hit the rack early tonight. Need to get a couple more "Parts" of War and Peace under my belt by the end of the month and then I can just read one "Part" per week and finish with the group read. YEA!~!~! That will give me plenty of "reading whatever I want" time until the end of the year.
You take care and I will talk to you later and see you on the threads.
luv n hugs,
belva

Hi Bonnie - Yep, same thing was happening to me and I was starting to get tired of saying "Did you even LISTEN to my message??". Now I know better. :) And if you think about it, a missed call with no message is much more intriguing than a long winded blah, blah, blah!

Hi Donna, brenzi and Belva - Funny book to read and laugh at ourselves, er, make that laugh with not at!!

The footwear can still be called thongs, especially ones that are a step-up dressiness wise from flip-flops but kids will tee-hee about it!

Hi Joanne- How are you? I finished Travels With Charley and really enjoyed it. Check out my review! I'll be starting The Shack, with some hesitation but I am curious to see which side I come down on.

>#133:
Just remember Mark; it is fiction. As in F-I-C-T-I-O-N!~!
belva

Mark - I haven't read The Shack nor do I have any desire to read it. I think Belva's point is a good one - far too many people have taken it way too seriously. Good luck with it though! I'm almost done with Fear the Worst. It seems more up your alley. ;)

I've started The Earth Hums in B Flat and so far, so good!

49. The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle

Although parts of this book were difficult to read, I thought it was a heartbreakingly wonderful coming of age story of a girl on a just-about-ready-to-fail western Colorado horse ranch. The loneliness of the characters just about wafted off the pages.

50. Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay

A fast read that started out well and continued that way throughout most of the story. The main character is a divorced car salesman. One day his teenage daughter doesn't come home from work so he stops in at her workplace. Turns out, they've never heard of her. I thought the ending kind of fell apart but for the most part, it was a page turner. If you plan on reading it though, don't look at anyone tags, there's a spoiler lurking.

51. The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan

Fantastic story of a young girl with a big imagination growing up in a small Welsh village, circa 1958. Gwenni has a charming narrative voice and it's a joy to travel along with her as she tries to make sense of her secretive family and solve a mystery. I cannot do this book justice, but highly, highly recommend it!

Joanne, does Gwenni have absolute pitch as the title suggests? I've wondered that ever since seeing the title.

Thanks for your reviews!

Guess I am going to have to read this one. I think that Bonnie also loved it when she read it. So with recx from the both of you; what is a girl to do? I know, I know; read the damn book!~!
luv ya Joanne!~! You brighten my world just by being in it.
belva

Thanks for the review JoAnne. I have The Earth Hums in B Flat waiting for me at the library and hope to start on it next week. Everything I've seen on LT is positive.

138 - 141, Well I would agree that Gwenni is a totally charming narrator and I did enjoy the book, but I didn't love, LOVE the book because I thought Gwenni stayed too innocent for way too long, considering her age; and there's one other reason, but I can't say it without being a spoiler. But I'm lots pickier about plots, so I think you'll really love the book, Belva.

Well, gosh, hi everybody! I feel like there was a party at my house while I was at work!

#139 Hi ChocolateMuse! - I actually kept waiting for the title to be expained better, but if it was, I missed it. That was the note only Gwenni would hear and said it was the earth humming. Why exactly, I'm not so sure. I kept asking my son to play B flat on his sax for me.

#140 - And hi to Belva! Yes, please add it to your list. I think you'll like it!

#141 Hi brenzi! - Please let me know what you think when you read it. I hope you do like it!

# 142 Hi Bonnie! I actually thought Gwenni's naivete was appropriate considering she was a 12 year old living in a little Welsh village in 1958. I really get turned off by very young narrators that seem way too mature for their age so I guess I found it refreshing. I'm curious about the other plot point that bothered you - send me a pm, please? I do tend to cut first time authors some slack and I was totally in love with the story line so I may have just let something go without thinking twice!

52. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny

Another fine Three Pines/Inspector Gamache mystery and read by Ralph Cosham. I was going to wait a little while before I started the next book in the series, but I have it (or them - both the audio and the book) and now I don't want to wait.

53. Benny & Shrimp: A Novel (Der kerl vom Land) by Katarina Mazetti

A quirky little book from Sweden that will probably stick with me longer than I would have expected. The plot started to wear a little thin but the writing was lovely. There is another followup book that's been published but I don't think it's been translated yet.

~Big wave to Joanne~ You seem to be knocking out the books, friend! Are you still considering the Group Read?

Hi Mark! **waves** Thanks for dropping by. I have never read so many books within the course of a year in my entire adult life!

I'm starting to lean away from this group read. I want to reread Dracula and I have Outlander that I really want to start and then John Irving and Barbara Kingsolver have new books...they are all beckoning...! I still have the book though so we'll see.

Have you finished The Likeness yet?

Hi Joanne- Yes, the books keep pouring in! It''s like a waterfall! I finished The Likeness and loved it. Stop by and see the review!

>147 Copperskye: I've got the new John Iriving and Barbara Kingsolver novels reserved at the library already, so exciting! This has been a good year for new releases, add Alice Munro to the list and all my favourites have had/are about to have new books out. It feels almost like Christmas morning :)

I just reserved the new Kingsolver book yesterday. Her first novel in 11 years, that's way too long to go in between fixes!

Ah me, another favorite author (Kingsolver) with a new book. And I have the John Irving advanced reader copy in my hot little hands as of last night! It does seem like Christmas has come early this year!

Donna- You are so lucky on having the latest Irving! I'm mad- :-(
...wait a second I still have his last book languishing in my tbr. Oh, never mind!

har, Mark you are soooo funny!~!

I have a feeling that you guys are going to get to the wonderful new books before I do (especially you Donna!) so I will be anxiously awaiting your thoughts!!

Currently, I'm enjoying The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street - Helene Hanff's London travel diary. Certainly not as charming as 84, Charing Cross Road but an interesting followup. I've got company for the weekend so my reading will be limited.

54. The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff

Hanff's London travel diary. Interesting, especially if you want more after finishing 84, Charing Cross Road but I don't think it would hold up as a stand alone.

55. Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip by Matthew Algeo

Matthew Algeo recounts Harry and Bess Truman’s 1953 post-presidential, 19 day road trip from their home in Missouri to Washington DC to NYC and back again. He travels the same roads and tells us what the Truman’s would have seen, what’s changed and what hasn’t. He stops where they stopped and talks to people who remember or were told of the Trumans’ visit to their town or business. There’s just a bit of politics and mostly just wonderful highway, city, car, hotel and restaurant history and facts, all befitting this charming travelogue. Wonderful little details and snippets of information are included. For instance, Harry Truman was once in the crowd outside of the Today Show and was spotted and interviewed. The author’s own attempt to appear on Today is also recounted to humorous affect. Interestingly, for me at least, I learned how the UN headquarters came to be in NYC, some history surrounding the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and how the Presidential plane became known as Air Force One. Interesting also, was Truman's post-presidental financial situation.

Told in a genial, humorous tone, it is indeed an “excellent adventure” as you sit back, relax and enjoy a little armchair travel along the back roads and blue highways of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic States. After this trip through a not so long ago, but truly bygone era, I’m ready for a road trip of my own.

5 Stars

Joanne- Nice job on the review! I remember hearing about this book awhile ago! It sounds like a good companion piece to the monumental bio Truman, by McCullough, which I thought was outstanding!

This sounds like a great read JoAnne. I have 84, Charing Cross Road coming up soon based on your previous recommendation.

Good Morning Mark! You know, I may read McCullough's Truman bio. Thanks for the reminder. I have John Adams sitting unread on my shelf, but it just seems too dry for me and now I feel like I want to learn a little more about Harry and Bess. They were just so normal, dare I say cute(?), in the Algeo book!

Good Morning Bonnie! Yay!! I really hope you love it as much as I did!!

Have a great Friday everybody! :)

Hey JoAnne, congratulations on your hot review. Excellent job.

Thank you, Bonnie! Yay me. :) And thanks for letting me know - I didn't notice.

Congrats on the Hot Review! Well deserved my friend!

Joanne;
Congratulations on your HOT REVIEW!~!
Wow!~! Way to go!~! And good job picking your reads. You have been reading some really good stuff. I will be glad when my brain isn't so glazed over and I can handle some heavier reading.
luvs n hugs,
belva

56. Red Bones by Ann Cleeves

I love this mystery series which is set in the Shetland Islands, and hate to think that there will only be one more featuring Inspector Jimmy Perez and Sandy, his endearing underling. I really hope the author decides they are too rich with possibilities to leave behind.

Snow afternoon - Yay!! Watched 'Away We Go'. What a sweet, funny movie!

Movies are fun, but hot tea (or maybe a Hot Toddy!), a roaring fire, and a good book sounds like another lovely way to hibernate in this taste of what is to come this winter. We're going to be in Denver next week and I want that snow to be gone by then! My son in Co. Springs got married in early November last year and the weather was beautiful. I remember from living there that just about anything goes this time of year.

Joanne- I also saw "Away We Go" recently and really enjoyed it. Some outrageous characters though, huh?
Speaking of films, the wife & I went and seen "Where the Wild Things Are" yesterday and it was amazing, easily the best movie I've seen this year!

Hi Donna, Don't forget the cat on the lap in that lovely scene! The weather for next week is, so far, looking good. 60 by Monday, 65 on Tuesday. Of course, that could change, as you know! I hope the weather cooperates and you have a lovely visit! There will be plenty of snow on the mountains and it makes such a pretty picture.

Good Morning Mark, The scene with the stroller was a riot. Nut jobs, yes! I have not seen WTWTA yet and am looking forward to it. I've heard that adults seem to like it better than kids.

2 feet of snow outside this morning and still coming down. The rest of my family gets to stay home but I have a late start. Booo... At least I get out of shoveling (but wait, I like to shovel...). :) Have a great day all!

Hey Joanne! Great list so far! I also read Columbine, and felt the exact same way about it that you did.

Hi Becca,

You found me! Thanks for dropping by.

Yes, Columbine was a difficult read.

I'm going to head over to your thread in a few minutes and see what you've been reading.

57. The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny

Book 3 in the Three Pines Mystery Series. And have I mentioned that I absolutely love this series of mysteries set in the charming village of Three Pines, Quebec, Canada? These books just keep getting better and better!

I've seen you talking about this series for some time JoAnne and I think I may try one. They sound really good.

Hi Joanne- Yes, Assassination Vacation has been a lot of fun, it reminds me quite a bit of Confederates in the Attic. Very similar styles and both have an engaging wit. People of the Book has been terrific! I think it would be a book you would really enjoy. And yes, Await Your Reply was a satisfying read. Pretty complex but well-written. Hope it works for you!
I posted this on my challenge, as well!

>170 Copperskye: I've only read Books 1 and 2 in the Three Pines series, and really like them. Have to read The Cruelest Month next. I'm so curious to learn more about the wonderful Inspector!

Hi, Joanne -

Thanks for the reminder about the Louise Penny books awaiting me on my TBR Cyber Stack. I hope to start the series soon. They sound really good.

Love,

Ruth/womansheart

Hi Bonnie!
Hi Louanne!
Hi Ruth!

I'm not a big mystery reader so it really surprised me that I like this series so much (and Ann Cleeves' books, as well). I'm very glad that I discovered them!

58. The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer

This was a quick, entertaining read and although I'm not sure what I was expecting, it was not what I expected. I found the heroine to be delightful. Every other short chapter gave a bit of an explanation as to why a woman might have used the services of a wet nurse and I enjoyed the way the author chose to work these into the main story.

59. Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon

Wow - truly an enigma wrapped in a puzzle. A complex page turner that I found myself enjoying more and more as the story swept me along. I may even find myself rereading it eventually just to pick up on clues and situations I missed the first time around.

Hey Joanne- I'm glad you liked the Chaon book! I can't say I was completely satisfied, but he's a heck of a writer and I admire his ambition in crafting this complex story!

>177 Copperskye:: This one looks really good. I think I'll put it on the list for early 2010. It sounds like one to savor rather than rush through. My reading time (and attention) is severely diminished in November and December!

What a beautiful 4 days we had in Denver/COS. Perfect weather. We crammed a lot of things into a small period of time. I even got some reading done.

A swift drive by acknowledgment of my interest in YOU and what you are reading.

With love,

Ruth

>177 Copperskye: That does look really good! Another one for the TBR. I love those books that make you want to start again as soon as you finish!

Hey, wait a minute, Mark! I put it on my wish list because of your recommendation. Gotta remember this.

Bonnie- Please don't think less of me! Am I still Bonny Prince or have I been demoted? Stable boy?

60. Idiot America: How Stupidity Became a Virtue in the Land of the Free by Charles Pierce

I have the stable boy - oh, sorry, I mean Mark, to thank for putting this book on my radar screen. Thank you Mark! (**waves**, I'm sure you're still the Bonny Prince.) An entertaining read and Charles Pierce's wit is razor sharp. Just wish there were some easy answers.

61. A Christmas Blizzard by Garrison Keillor

Poor James Sparrow. He’s a sad man with a happy life.

Wealthy and just looking to escape Christmas in Chicago and any frozen metal that may be calling, Hawaii seems just the ticket (on his private jet, of course). Unfortunately, in taking a short detour to visit a sick uncle, James winds up stranded by a blizzard in his hometown of Looseleaf, ND. Minor shades of A Christmas Carol ensue. This is a laugh-out-loud funny, absurd, goofball kind of a story that is surprisingly endearing. Also, the book itself is lovely in a Christmasy sort of way – red cover, green flyleaf, no dust jacket and with a scene from the story edged in gold leaf on the cover. I’m adding it to my small pile of Christmas favorites.

I also get to add this to my 50 state challenge for North Dakota.

Darn...I just checked our library. 16 holds on 4 copies for A Christmas Blizzard. I went ahead and reserved it, but I'm strongly considering buying it next time Borders has a 40% off coupon (maybe Thanksgiving week end?) I collect Christmas books and this would make a wonderful addition for the beautiful cover alone. Thanks for the heads up!

This book sounds delightful joanne and it merited another hot review for you. Good job!

Joanne, my dear -

Count me in on this one. I like to be reminded of the importance of the human spirit this time of year, myself. I like to laugh and be endeared to a character or story, also. Keillor is a favorite of mine, too.

We are closely following the same reading path, three or four (or more) of us, aren't we?

Like Linda, I love looking at pictures of your dog. We loved our Golden, back in the day. He was our first dog together after we were married. His name was Sundance Running Bear, but we just called him Sundance.

We have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, named Arthur, after the legendary Welsh King. I'll post a picture of him sometime soon, I hope.

I want to feel better soon. I wouldn't mind you holding some healing thoughts for me, dear woman. It is great to have you and other friends sort of at my finger tips on LT.

Lovings,

Ruth

Hi Donna - I had a similar experience with getting the audio version from the library. Our county system has it on order but with 3 times as many holds but then I remembered to check our town's little library. It also has it on order but I'm the first hold. I'm hoping to get the family involved with listening to it. We all enjoy listening to Garrison Keillor & PHC.

Hi Bonnie - Thanks so much! I was so surprised to see the Hot part!

Hi Ruth - Yes we are tracking pretty close, aren't we. We all have such good taste! :) And do post a pic of your Corgi! They are so cute. I have a friend who has both a golden and a Corgi. Quite a pair! You have such great names for your pets! Our cat is Smokey (guess what color he is?!) and Copper got her name from my then toddler son's favorite stuffed dog and it was named for the dog in The Fox and the Hound. We promised him that when we got a real dog he could name her/him "Copper", too. It worked out color wise when we got a golden! I do hope you are feeling better soon. We're all sending good thoughts of love and support from here on LT. Hope we can help keep your spirits up, too!

(Has everyone seen Ruth's adorable new kitten on her profile page?)

Hey Joanne;
Wazzup?
I just went over and checked out Ruthie's kitten. How very sweet!~! But in 2 months it will be climbing her curtains and if she is like me, she won't care. They are so easy to fall in love with.
I see you are quite the HOTTIE these days. Congratulations on all of them!~!
Are you enjoying People of the Book? I loved it but if I could have changed one thing about it, it would have been to add more to the side stories. This was such a multi-layered story and I just wanted to know so much more about everything. What an excellent choice for a group read for the participants to have voted in.
You have a lovely weekend Joanne. We are planning to here. Had one grandson last night and another tonight. Probably the 3rd tomorrow night. I think we just have a revolving door here at the old homestead.
luv ya,
belva

A Christmas Blizzard is going on my TBR for next month too, the hubby and I just got home from watching A Christmas Carol (the 3D animation is amazing!) so I'm in the mood for holiday stories. And it'll be my first Garrison Keillor, I've been wanting to read his stuff for a while now. Thanks for the great review!

Hi Belva **wildly waving and grinning**!

I'm a flash in the pan 'hottie' - blink and you'll miss it! That's ok though. I'm always so surprised when it happens at all!

I actually declined on the group read but I do lurk on the thread and admit that I'm starting to regret not enjoying it with all you guys. Sound like you all just love it!

I hope you're having fun with the kids! We're having a bit of a snowy weekend here in CO. Kinda nice when you don't have to go anywhere.

Talk soon! Joanne

Hi Spacepotatoes - I'm glad to hear the new A Christmas Carol movie was good! We'll probably go see it around Thanksgiving.

I hope you like the book - it's a bit on the goofy side but it did have a good heart about it!

62. Stitches: A Memoir by David Small

This worked very well in a graphic novel format. Pictures can convey more sometimes than words. A truly disturbing story of abuse but ultimately uplifting.

62 books? How did that happen? I have never read so many books in such a short period of time. Thank you everyone at LT!

Well you're the second person to give high marks to this book Joanne so onto the pile it goes.

Ha! I am reading Stitches now too!

Just finished Sarah's Key. Have you read it?

>193 Copperskye: Funny coincidence - at the library on Saturday morning, I stumbled across a copy of Garrison Keillor's Pilgrim on the "New Releases" shelf. I was thisclose to picking it up but my library TBR stack at home is already toppling over. Just funny that it appears right after I decide I want to read something by him!

Enjoy the movie if you go see it!

Hi Nancy! So how did you like Stitches?

I did read Sarah's Key about a year ago and liked it. If I remember correctly, I liked the parts that took place in the past much better than the current day action but overall I liked it a lot. Horrific story though.

63. Chosen by a Horse by Susan Richards

A beautiful, honest, heartfelt, and heartbreaking memoir. A thoroughly enjoyable read. 4 1/2 stars.

Hey Joanne- The book sounds good, I'll mention it to my wife, she might like it! I started The Cellist of Sarajevo, about 50 pages in and I'm hooked. I really had no idea what the book was about, which I view as a positive thing and it sucked me right in. Thanks for the encouragement and have a great weekend!

I'm going to have to get that for my sister. Her animals are her life.

I started reading Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure last night, and wanted to let you know that I must have grabbed it on your recommendation. I thought that I had snagged it from Donna, but she steered me back to you.

Anyway, so far so good. It is lighter in weight than True Compass: A Memoir, which is one of the others books I've started. Easier to hold up in bed while reading it therein.

I hope that you and yours have a good, safe and yummy Thanksgiving and that you enjoy every minute of it.

With love,

Ruth

I hope you like it Ruth. I found it to be very light and fun. I enjoy learning odd bits of history and so I found it to be pretty interesting. I have True Compass on my list so I'll be waiting to see how you like it.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving yourself! I know one of the things I'm thankful for are my new friends on LT!

Joanne

Amen, to that, Joanne. I have a huge list of things to do today...and here I am checking in with one of my new friends on LT. I'm thankful for you -- and all the rest. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

64. Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

Hey Joanne- I'll have to hear your thoughts on that one! I have a copy in my hot little hands and plan to get to it, in a few days! Hope you had a great holiday!

I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts too. I wasn't as much of a fan of her first one as most people.

Half Broke Horses was well done but I didn't like it as much as The Glass Castle which I really loved.

I liked the first person narrative and the action, particularily in the first half of the book, moved along well. And it's a fascinating story, especially in light of what happens to the next generation of the family. My biggest problem with it was the main character, the narrator, herself. I liked her at the start, but about three quarters of the way through, Lily started to grate on me. Big time. Frankly, I couldn't wait to finish it so I could leave her and move on.

Now it could very well be that real life got in the way of my enjoyment of the story so I really want to hear what you guys who have it up next have to say about it.

Hey Joanne- I plan on starting it today! It looks like a fast read. I see you are reading the latest by Alice Munro. This looks very good. I have never read her before, although I've heard great things. Anything else, you've loved by her?

Hi Joanne,

I'm about half-way through Half-Broke Horses and have enjoyed it so far so I'll see if I'm let down like you apparently were.

I have a Half Broke Horses question. I thought this was a memoir but the NY Times notable book list for 2009 lists it as Fiction. What is you take on this?

I'm not good at making link stuff, but below should be the Times notable list:

NYT notable books

A memoir would have to have been written by the grandmother herself (or as an "as told to" by another writer. Jeannette Walls wrote the book in a memoir style I think.

I believe on the cover it's called "a true life novel" or something like that. It's the story of the author's grandmother's life so I'm guessing it couldn't qualify as a memoir which, I believe has to be about some phase of the author's own life. (Sorry Joanne, I didn't mean to take over your thread. What do you think?)

Hello, coppers. I've been lurking here reading a few threads, and thinking about joining up. I recognized your name from the Fifty States challenge. The group description here does not say whether books read for other challenges can be counted here, but the nature of the thing seems to say to me, 'sure, fine'. Are you counting your State reads here?

Hi Everybody and welcome sydamy!

Half Broke Horses is the life story of the author's grandmother. Jeannette Wells describes her book as a “true life novel” and explains in her notes that although much of the story is true, she had to fill in some holes and deal with some contradictory info and so she fictionalized some aspects.

My guess would be that she did that to avoid any claims of misrepresentation of the truth and allow her some additional artistic license.

Mark and Nancy - I am loving Too Much Happiness!

Hi countrylife! I recognize your name as well. I use the 50 book challenge to keep track of what I read and keep in touch with all my friends here. I do post the same books both here and on the 50 state thread when I have a book that fits into a US state.

And I think what you said "sure, fine" is perfect. Come on over and join us and track your reading however you see fit!

I should add that SOME people's britches are getting a little too big for the lowly 50 book challenge thread...

Mark? Mark? Where are you?? Where'd ya' go?? :)

Joanne- I would never leave my friend! We go back a long ways! It looks like you will be a lot closer to 75 than 50 this year, so think about a move yourself! The 50 Book was great fun! BTW, I'm loving the start of Half Broke Horses!

I really did like it, for the most part! I think you will, too.

Too Much Happiness is very good, I enjoyed that one too.

Mark, I hope you don't mind if I chime in with one of my Munro favourites. I've read Runaway at least three times since I got it a few years ago and I always get something new from it. I love it. The View From Castle Rock is also very good and it gives a new context (if you didn't know anything about Munro's life beforehand) to her older stories if you decide to check those out eventually.

Hi spacepotatoes -

I'm only about halfway through Too Much Happiness and love it. So much, actually, that when Powell's sent me their weekly email this afternoon and it mentioned signed first editions, I ordered one. I hardly ever pay full price for hardcovers. (The copy I'm reading is from the library.)

I've had Open Secrets on my shelf for years but have never read it. I'm happy I didn't give it away!

>220 spacepotatoes: I'm glad to hear you say that Space. I got Runaway at our library book sale back in October and I've never read anything by Munro so I'm looking forward to it.

Hi Space- Thanks for the Munro suggestions! She really looks like an author I will like!
~Big wave to Joanne~

Thanks coppers! I have been trying to track down a signed first of Too Much Happiness all fall and nobody had an answer for me. Hope Powells still has one for me!

It will go nicely with my singed copy of Open Secrets and special boxed/signed Selected Stories! You are my hero.

I hope so too!

Hi Joanne;
I finally caught up with your thread today. Seems once you get behind it takes forever to catch up.
Glad to see you are reading some really good books and it tickled me to read (on someone else's thread, I believe) that you were just coming out of your turkey induced coma. That just cracked me up.
Hope the original Copper is doing well. I was telling my mother the other day that we so totally misnamed our Abby. That we should have named her Conan after Conan the Destroyer!~! That dog is chewing up everything, but only when she is outside. And I cannot get my husband to put his yard tools away. She has chewed the seats off all the kids bikes and all of our 3 & 4 wheelers plus the brand new John Deere mower!~! And she doesn't want to be in the house all the time. She paces and paces. I walk her and play fetch with her daily, but I guess I am still not keeping her busy enough. I know that if I don't keep work for her, she finds it herself. IDK!~! Dogs!~! Kind of like husbands sometimes, ya know?
Well, enough bitchin',
catch ya later,
luv n hugs,
belva

Hi Belva, my friend! Thanks for stopping by to say hello and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sounds like you have your hands full with Abby. Hopefully she'll contain her chewing to outside stuff at least. Copper's most annoying habit is also an oral fixation but not as bad as chewing. Copper has to have something in her mouth whenever someone comes in the house. Her toys aren't good enough though. She wants and will search for gloves, mittens, socks, underwear - whatever she can dig out of baskets or hampers or the floor of the laundry room - and bring them to people. It does get embarrassing sometimes.

I saw on the weekly thread that you're doing some Christmas reading. I read A Child's Christmas in Wales recently and it was very sweet. I forget who illustrated the copy I read but the pictures were wonderful. I'd somehow missed it all my life - how does that happen?! I have Truman Capote's Christmas book checked out of the library and will read it next week maybe.

Anyway, I hope you are well and are enjoying this special yet hectic season!

Hugs, Joanne

Hi Joanne- I'm so glad you are enjoying the Munro book! It looks like one I may have to purchase (Christmas money, perhaps?). I'll be finishing Half Broke Horses today and I really liked it. What a life! Will be starting Cutting For Stone in a couple of days! Hope you are having a great weekend!

Good morning Mark - I have a feeling you'll love Cutting for Stone. I read it earlier in the year. It is a story that sticks with you.

I cannot recommend Too Much Happiness more although I am only half done.

And Half Broke Horses, she really was a character. I'd be interested in hearing more about the author's mother.

Snowy morning here. Perfect day to decorate the Frasier Fir that showed up in my family room yesterday and listen to Christmas carols - oh, never mind, it's Sunday - football in the background!

Have a great day yourself!
Joanne

Hi Joanne.
I just went to my library's site and put the Capote book on hold. I had forgotten about that one. His short stories are perfection in itself!~! We will both enjoy it before Christmas.
hugs,
belva

Mark & Brenzi - hope you both enjoy the Munro books when you get to them!

>221 Copperskye: Lucky, a signed edition! Glad you loved the book too :)

Hi Belva - I plan on starting it tonight! I've only read Capote's In Cold Blood. I trust this book will be different. :)

Hey space - I didn't realize how lucky I was to get a signed copy until alphaorder clued me in!

I found a signed copy of Too Much Happiness at Iowa Book. They still have some available if anyone would like one. 25% off + $9.00 shipping. Go now!

Here's the link: http://iowabk.stores.yahoo.net/toomuhabyalm.html

Hmmm, I'm not sure that I'd want to pay for shipping to Canada but it just occured to me that I should check my campus bookstore. I am from the area where Munro grew up (and I think still lives, from time to time) and the university bookstore tends to keep a few signed copies of local authors' books on hand. I never even thought to check there, now I will have to put that on my Christmas wish list :)

65. In A Dry Season by Peter Robinson
Well written mystery.

66. A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
Lovely little Christmas book. I'm going to listen to the audio read by the author.

67. A Christmas Memory, One Christmas Memory and The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote
Graceful, nostalgic tales of a lonely boyhood in 1930s Alabama and a loving tribute to the author's cousin, an unmarried woman in her 60s who was also his best friend. Perfect and highly recommended.

Joanne- You have been knocking out the books! Smokin'! I've heard of Peter Robinson for quite some time but have never read him. Since I love crime fiction, that's a bit of a puzzle!

Hi Mark - The Robinson book was fairly hefty but the other two were very short, quick reads. I almost made them 66 and 66.5.

Joanne - I love the Capote collection. My husband re-reads it almost every year.

You are reading your way into Christmas with numbers 66 and 67. These both look like good selections. My DH took A Christmas Blizzard with him to LA this week. I plan to reward myself with it after I finish slogging my way through Wolf Hall. I've given up on the touchstones to WH.

In a Dry Season sounds good and I'm ready for a good mystery which I thought would be your recommended Louise Penny book. My local library has Still Life on its shelves which I believe is the first in the series (correct me if I'm wrong). Of those two, which would you recommend?

I'll be rereading the Capote stories as well. They are so well done!

And Donna, I hope your husband enjoys the Keillor book!

Bonnie - Hands down, no question, Still Life. I'm currently reading/listening to the 4th in the series, A Rule Against Murder. Also, see if the library has Raven Black, the first of Ann Cleeves' Shetland Series. It's a goodie, too. One of the many reasons I love to use our wonderful library system - no commitment if it doesn't work out. In a Dry Season was good, but not as good, imho.

Joanne- I finished listening to A Walk in the Woods. It was very good! Funny, observant and very informative. And Bryson clearly states he did not hike the entire trail, completing just under 40% of it, so I'm not sure what that guy was talking about. I also finished Half Broke Horses, which I really enjoyed. Check out my review!

Mark - Yeah, some people just take things too seriously. Bryson writes to entertain.

68. Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro

A great collection of stories. I'll be reading more of her work!

Joanne- I have to find a copy of this one! It looks like another winner!

69. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

This is a very thought-provoking YA mystery about 12 year old Miranda who lives in NYC, circa 1978-79. Miranda has a story to tell, about her friends and the homeless man on the corner, her mom practicing for The $20,000 Pyramid and the puzzling notes that someone keeps leaving for her.

I wish I had a middle-schooler to share it with, all the better if they're really into A Wrinkle in Time.

70. A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy this mystery series? This one made it into my top 12 for the year.

Heh, heh. Giving up on trying to pick 10 eh?

Well yes....

I thought getting it down to 12 was pretty darn good.

Right now I have 15 on my Top 10. Hmmm might have to come up with a catchy new title maybe....Top 10 +5? Of course those are only my 5 star reads. If I throw in the 4 1/2 star reads it'll have to be something closer to Top 10+15 ;-)

Thank you LT!

Joanne

I agree with you regarding When You Reach Me. It is such a wonderful, wonderful book.

Hi Joanne,
Wow it's been a long time since I've been here -- too long! Looks like you've read some terrific books. Just perusing these threads has made my wishlist grow by quite a bit. My mother's family is Welsh, so I will definitely read The Earth Hums in B Flat. Will you stay in town for Christmas?

My family is from Bangor, Wales.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangor,_Gwynedd

They came from there to the United States, miners of coal, they came to the United States to a small NE PA town and called it Bangor, Pennsylvania.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangor,_Pennsylvania

I'm heading to the library to find a copy of A Child's Christmas in Wales

Linda- Bangor PA was mentioned in Outliers. The author talked about a large group of Italian craftsman that lived there!

Hi Linda - Have you had the opportunity to go back to Bangor, Wales? It looks like a lovely little town. I love finding out about where my family is from, and in my case, part of my family is from Skerries, County Dublin, Ireland. My oldest sister is heading over there in May and I know she'll try to find an old relative or two.

Hi Ann - thank you for stopping by! It has been a long time but I know you've been busy with school. I stop by your thread but don't always have anything to add. I think you'll like The Earth Hums. When You Reach Me was also a good one. We are staying in town for Christmas. We just picked up my 90 yr old Mom at DIA and she'll be with us through the weekend. The snow just started here - YAY! - a white Christmas! Are you traveling this week?

No -- just up to Evergreen to my mom's house -- she's home from Germany. We like being at home for Christmas. How nice that your mother is here. I hope you have a very merry Christmas!

Joanne- How is Tenderness of Wolves coming? I hope you are enjoying it, I need encouragement to start my own copy. I received Let the Great World Spin yesterday. A nice softcover and I already started it. It looks like another gem!

Good morning Mark - I'm enjoying The Tenderness of Wolves but I may be a little too distracted with the holidays and company to really get into it right now. It reminds me of The Outlander which I loved. I did pick up some lighter reading which is better for this week - The Cleanup by Sean Doolittle. Have you read any by him? Pretty good crime fiction and it may be right up your alley, quite frankly.

I also received Let the Great World Spin in softcover last week and am looking forward to diving into it. Looks great!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and stay warm in this icy cold weather!

I bought Let the World Spin for a friend. I'm always hesitant to give someone a book I haven't read yet. Read, read and tell me what you think!

71. The Cleanup by Sean Doolittle

Very good crime fiction set in Omaha NE. A down-on-his-luck, nice guy cop tries to help out a friend with a bit of a problem. Things turn out to be a little more complicated than they first seem. The characters are well drawn, the story has a lot of twists and I thought the ending was well done. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Joanne- The Cleanup looks like a good one! I'll have to dig it out and move it up! Let the Great World Spin has been excellent, will easily be high on my end of the year list!

Hi Mark - I'm going to have to finish up what I've got going now so I can start Let the Great World Spin! I'm looking forward to it. I'm in a stall with Tenderness of Wolves since I picked up the very lovely Frozen Thames.

I guess I only have a few more days to figure out where to post in 2010. I could, perhaps, overachieve on the 50 book thread or set myself up for a likely big fail on the 75. I know it's not really about the number, but... :)

>262 Copperskye:: I enjoyed Tenderness of Wolves, a very chilling book in more ways than one as I recall. I'll also be reading Let the Great World Spin as soon as my number comes up at the library -- and I'm next in line.

Joanne, the 75 Challenge Group is not about the numbers...it's all about the books and the people who take the time to comment and encourage. We'd love to have you there, but I will star you wherever you land! Happy Reading in 2010.

Hey Joanne- Are you off work? I'm enjoying a day off! We are getting ready to head out for a late breakfast and then off to the dentist..oh joy! I'll be reading The White Rhino Hotel for a few more days and then I'll be starting Child 44 and then...
Since you're much closer to 75 this year, go with that Challenge, (I have my 2010 set-up), who cares if you fall short, it should be another fantastic year!

Hi Donna and Mark, Yes, I took a week of vacation. It's nice to just sit and enjoy the mornings, although like you, Mark, I'm getting some practical (read boring) stuff done, too. Today's big plans include the party store for noise makers for my son's New Year's Eve Party (wish me luck there) and taking Copper to the vet for her second flu shot.

Thanks for the encouragement you guys...I am leaning towards the 75 since most of the threads I check are there.

Have happy and healthy New Year all!!

Enjoy your day off Mark!

Joanne,

Don't hesitate to join the 75er's. I won't get near that number (this year I'll finish with 58 which is a personal record) unless I ......RETIRE! God that sounds good but I think it's just a pipe dream. Anyway, the number doesn't matter.

Peace, love and good will all coming your way from me to you dear Joanne. I wish you & yours the best in 2010.
big new year hug,
belva

Happy new year to you, too, Belva!!

My 2010 thread can be found at http://www.librarything.com/topic/80948